No room for error as Eldoret City marathon draws near

Women athletes in action during the Eldoret City Marathon in 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Exactly one month from today, the champions will gather with their eyes on writing history on the streets of Eldoret.

The Eldoret City Marathon will be making a grand return, and the City of Champions is eagerly waiting for the thrilling actions on Sunday, April 21.

On one side, a massive 10,000 fun race runners will be expected to take part in the 10km event, and on the other, elite athletes will be competing for the race’s Sh3.5 million winning prize.

The fun run race has been upgraded from the previous 5km to 10km this year.

According to the Local Organising Committee’s plan, the 10km fun runners will join other fans at the finish line to cheer the elite participants at the final stretch near the Zion Mall in Eldoret town.

“Due to public demand, the fun run will be increased to 10km. Many fans and corporate partners have requested to take part in the 10km family run. Most of them have been preparing for 10km. We have previously had the 5km fun run,” said LOC chairman Andrew Chelogoi.

The LOC chairman added that the 10km fun run will make the 2024 edition more exciting.

“The 10km fun run will be designed to be the best team building event for the corporate and running teams. Families will as well get the chance take part," he said.

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“We are urging the elite athletes and fun runners to continue registering on our website and in designated registration points,” said Chelogoi.

In the last four editions (2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022) fun runners took part in 5km.

Race Director Moses Tanui, who is in charge of the technical undertakings of the marathon, said the 10km fun run route will be ready soon.

The double Boston Marathon winner said the 42km course is being prepared for the April 21 showdown.

“The finish line will be prepared in a manner that will ensure there is adequate space for both the elite and fun race to finish. The best international practices will be adopted as we have done in our previous editions,” Tanui said.

“Our plans for the 2024 edition are in top gear. Our message to the athletes is that they only have to be well prepared to compete.”

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, who is sponsoring the race through Gladys Boss Foundation, will be among the 10km fun runners.

Tanui urged more partners to support the 2024 edition.

To advance its Climate Action theme, the marathon staged in the town christened the City of Champions because of hosting the country’s decorated stars, is seeking to adopt a section of one of the forests in Uasin Gishu.